Stormwater Fiasco And East Ridge Camping

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

When did the Chattanooga City Council get replaced by members of the East Ridge City Council? I don't recall a time in Chattanooga where they've voted to shoot the city in the foot more than they have lately.

If this goes through despite the environmental impact warnings and then Camp Jordan has increased flooding after spending millions on sports ball fields, can we expect the city of East Ridge to file suit for damages when the ball tournaments get canceled? They certainly won't accept responsibility for their shortsightedness.

Then again, Chattanooga's City Council is starting to look more like the East Ridge Council... Who are we to point the shortsighted finger at anyone?

I am going to start budgeting and saving for a stormwater fee hike, which is bound to come to the taxpayers once the state bears down on us again.

And on the subject of East Ridge, I read that "Camp" Jordan is going to rid itself of camping? Of course. Because camping is not sports.

As I read through the East Ridge meeting report, I couldn't help but wonder who wants to rid the park of the gravel lot that is referred to as a camping area? The guise that heavy equipment broke water pipes during construction is a joke. Anyone who has ever dealt with any construction knows that the contractor is liable for damages caused during construction. But that's not the point. The point is more sports.

East Ridge traded dirt for some money and a bathroom pavilion at the campground, essentially doubling down on the campground. It seems that East Ridge leadership cannot create a vision and stick to it. So now a few years later the park will be without a campground, without the dirt and a new bathroom in the middle of Mr. Martin's parking lot. Well, that is if it doesn't become a ball field.

Do ball fields cost more to maintain than a camp ground? Will the new infrastructure receive more attention than the existing infrastructure?

If Mr. Martin cared to utilize the current amenities of the park to the best of his ability, instead of looking at 275 acres of potential ball fields, I'm certain the city could justify keeping a campground instead of spending $15 million on more of what is already there.

It is good news about Erlanger's record income, but we need to understand that our county and city government should not pay, if they are paying currently, taxpayers’ money to Erlanger. Plus, if Erlanger is making a profit, it would be advisable to cut the fees charged to patients, especially charges for unnecessary test procedures during emergency visits. Now we know ... (click for more)

“Courage, of all national qualities, is the most precarious; because it is exerted only at intervals, and by a few in every nation,” wrote David Hume. It takes courage to risk life and limb for our state and country. Norman Schwarzkopf said "It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." It is fitting then, ... (click for more)

Witnesses said Glen Allen Donaldson was calm after killing his son-in-law on Dec. 29, 2016, saying, "I'm just sitting here waiting for the law." Donaldson, 57, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of 39-year-old Adam Levi. The jury in the courtroom of Judge Don Poole was told that Donaldson left the residence on Niles Terrace where Levi was living and drove ... (click for more)

A Chattanooga man who earlier served time for an attempted first-degree murder is now facing an armed robbery count. Garion Devilliar Lewis Jr., 33, is charged with aggravated robbery as well as drug and gun counts. In an incident on May 9, a man who no longer lives in Chattanooga said he was leaving his mother's residence on Sholar Avenue when he saw a man he knows across ... (click for more)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – In muggy humidity and searing heat, Ooltewah’s Lady Owls gutted out a heart-stopping 10-inning 7-4 victory over William Blount in the opening round of the TSSAA Class 3A state softball tournament Wednesday morning. The victory set up a showdown against Henry County about six hours later. Kayla Boseman, who went the distance against William Blount, ... (click for more)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Baylor and GPS continued their softball rivalry here at the Starplex Field No. 3 Wednesday night, but this latest game wasn’t as close as some in the past. These two teams split their regular season games, but the three-time defending Division II-AA Lady Red Raiders won round three here in the winners bracket final. The score wasn’t as close as most with ... (click for more)